Automatically Providing Positional Information via Use of Distributed Sensor Arrays

ABSTRACT

Methods, apparatus, and processor-readable storage media for providing positional information via use of distributed sensor arrays are provided herein. An example computer-implemented method includes generating and outputting one or more signals via at least one user identification device associated with a user; processing one or more signals output by at least one of multiple emitting sensors distributed in an array within a given indoor environment, wherein the signals output by the at least one emitting sensor are output in response to the signals output via the at least one user identification device, and wherein a least a portion of the multiple emitting sensors comprises infrared sensors; generating a message based on the processing of the signals output by the at least one emitting sensor, wherein the message pertains to positional information with respect to the given indoor environment; and outputting the generated message.

FIELD

The field relates generally to information processing systems, and moreparticularly to techniques for providing positional information usingsuch systems.

BACKGROUND

Individuals with vision impairment face several restrictions withinvarious facilities. Such individuals commonly have to rely on on-sitepersonnel to provide guidance for moving throughout the facility. Thisrequires costs (related to utilizing and/or training the personnel) andfrequently results in a limited and/or delayed experience for thevision-impaired individual (due, for example, to personnel availabilityand skill level). Additionally, various mechanized approaches that donot significantly rely on specific human personnel face significantaccuracy and cost challenges. Also, it is noted that similar issuesarise in other contexts involving other types of users.

SUMMARY

Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure provide techniques forautomatically providing positional information via use of distributedsensor arrays. An exemplary computer-implemented method includesgenerating and outputting one or more signals via at least one useridentification device associated with at least one user, and processingone or more signals output by at least one of multiple emitting sensorsdistributed in an array within a given indoor environment, wherein theone or more signals output by the at least one emitting sensor areoutput in response to the one or more signals output via the at leastone user identification device, and wherein a least a portion of themultiple emitting sensors include infrared sensors. Such a method alsoincludes generating a message based at least in part on the processingof the one or more signals output by the at least one emitting sensor,wherein the message pertains to positional information with respect tothe given indoor environment, and outputting the generated message.

Illustrative embodiments can provide significant advantages relative toconventional positional guidance techniques. For example, challengesassociated with human personnel costs and mechanized approach accuracylimitations are overcome in one or more embodiments through targetedemitting sensor-provided data across a granular sensor array and theability to generate user-interpretable audio messages based on suchemitting sensor-provided data.

These and other illustrative embodiments described herein include,without limitation, methods, apparatus, systems, and computer programproducts comprising processor-readable storage media.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an information processing system configured for providingpositional information via use of distributed sensor arrays in anillustrative embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows an example user identification device utilized in one ormore embodiments.

FIG. 3 shows an example emitting sensor utilized in one or moreembodiments.

FIG. 4 shows an example interaction between an emitting sensor, aserver, and a user identification device in an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows an example interaction between an emitting sensor and auser identification device in an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows message exchanges and related sleep state transitions inemitting sensors in an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows an emitting sensor occluder and a user identificationdevice dark chamber in an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows an occluder as a focusing mechanism in an illustrativeembodiment.

FIG. 9 shows an infrared switch and a radio switch in an illustrativeembodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a process for providing positionalinformation via use of distributed sensor arrays in an illustrativeembodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a process for automatically and efficientlylimiting power consumption by emitting sensors in an illustrativeembodiment.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show examples of processing platforms that may beutilized to implement at least a portion of an information processingsystem in illustrative embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Illustrative embodiments will be described herein with reference toexemplary information processing system and associated computers,servers, and/or other types of processing devices. It is to beappreciated, however, that the invention is not restricted to use withthe particular illustrative information processing system and deviceconfigurations shown. Accordingly, the term “information processingsystem” as used herein is intended to be broadly construed, so as toencompass, for example, any system comprising multiple processingdevices that are networked and/or positioned within a given environment.

FIG. 1 shows an information processing system 100 configured inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. The information processingsystem 100 comprises a plurality of emitting sensors 103-1, 103-2, . . .103-M, collectively referred to herein as emitting sensors 103. In oneor more embodiments, the emitting sensors 103 can be coupled to anetwork, which can include a sub-network or other related portion of theinformation processing system 100. Also positioned within such aninformation processing system 100 is (at least one) user identificationdevice 102.

The user identification device 102 may comprise, for example, a badge(as further detailed herein), as well as a user device such as a mobiletelephone, tablet computer, or other type of computing device. Suchdevices are examples of what are more generally referred to herein as“processing devices.”

The user identification device 102 in some embodiments comprises aprocessing device associated with a group of users, particular company,organization or other enterprise. In addition, at least portions of theinformation processing system 100 may also be referred to herein ascollectively comprising an “enterprise network.” Numerous otheroperating scenarios involving a wide variety of different types andarrangements of processing devices and networks are possible, as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, one or moreembodiments involving emitting sensors 103 and user identificationdevice 102 do not include the use of a network. In such an embodiment,the emitting sensors 103 and user identification device 102 communicatewith each other via the wireless transfer of signals and/or messageswhen within a given proximity.

Also, it is to be appreciated that the term “user” in this context andelsewhere herein is intended to be broadly construed so as to encompass,for example, human, hardware, software or firmware entities, as well asvarious combinations of such entities.

The network noted above and further described herein in connection withone or more embodiments can comprise a portion of a global computernetwork such as the Internet, although other types of networks can bepart of the information processing system 100, including a wide areanetwork (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a satellite network, atelephone or cable network, a cellular network, a wireless network suchas a Wi-Fi or WiMAX network, or various portions or combinations ofthese and other types of networks. The information processing system 100in some embodiments therefore comprises combinations of multipledifferent types of networks, each comprising processing devicesconfigured to communicate using internet protocol (IP) or other relatedcommunication protocols.

Additionally, user identification device 102 includes an associatedmemory 106 configured to maintain data 107 pertaining to one or moreemitting sensors.

Also associated with user identification device 102 can be one or moreinput-output devices, which illustratively comprise keyboards, displaysor other types of input-output devices in any combination. Suchinput-output devices can be used, for example, to support one or moreuser interfaces to user identification device 102, as well as to supportcommunication between user identification device 102 and other relatedsystems and devices not explicitly shown.

The user identification device 102 in the FIG. 1 embodiment is assumedto be implemented using at least one processing device. Each suchprocessing device generally comprises at least one processor and anassociated memory (such as memory 106), and implements one or morefunctional modules for controlling certain features of the useridentification device 102. By way of example, user identification device102 can comprise a processor coupled to a memory and a networkinterface.

The processor illustratively comprises a microprocessor, amicrocontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), afield-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other type of processingcircuitry, as well as portions or combinations of such circuitryelements.

The memory (106) illustratively comprises random access memory (RAM),read-only memory (ROM) or other types of memory, in any combination. Thememory and other memories disclosed herein may be viewed as examples ofwhat are more generally referred to as “processor-readable storagemedia” storing executable computer program code or other types ofsoftware programs.

One or more embodiments include articles of manufacture, such ascomputer-readable storage media. Examples of an article of manufactureinclude, without limitation, a storage device such as a storage disk, astorage array or an integrated circuit containing memory, as well as awide variety of other types of computer program products. The term“article of manufacture” as used herein should be understood to excludetransitory, propagating signals.

The network interface allows the user identification device 102 tocommunicate over a network with the emitting sensors 103, andillustratively comprises one or more conventional transceivers.

The user identification device 102 further comprises an infrared signalgenerator 130, an emitting sensor data processing component 132, anaudio message generator 134, and an audio output component 136.

It is to be appreciated that this particular arrangement of elements130, 132, 134 and 136 illustrated in the user identification device 102of the FIG. 1 embodiment is presented by way of example only, andalternative arrangements can be used in other embodiments. For example,the functionality associated with elements 130, 132, 134 and 136 inother embodiments can be combined into a single module, or separatedacross a larger number of modules. As another example, multiple distinctprocessors can be used to implement different ones of elements 130, 132,134 and 136 or portions thereof.

At least portions of the elements 130, 132, 134 and 136 may beimplemented at least in part in the form of software that is stored inmemory and executed by a processor.

It is to be understood that the particular set of elements shown in FIG.1 involving user identification devices 102 and emitting sensors 103 ofinformation processing system 100 is presented by way of illustrativeexample only, and in other embodiments additional or alternativeelements may be used. Thus, another embodiment includes additional oralternative systems, devices and other network entities, as well asdifferent arrangements of modules and other components.

An exemplary process utilizing user identification devices 102 andemitting sensors 103 in information processing system 100 will bedescribed in more detail with reference to the flow diagrams of FIG. 10and FIG. 11.

Accordingly, at least one embodiment includes implementing an assistiveguiding system (for example, for use by the vision impaired) thatincludes one or more wearable directional infrared user identificationdevices and/or transducers, and a set of fixed battery-powereddirectional infrared signal emitting sensors. In such an embodiment, thewearable device plays guiding audio messages based on which emittingsensor's signal is being detected. Additionally, such an embodimentincludes taking advantage of the light properties of infrared signals byshaping it via one or more occluders and reflectors to createwell-defined volumes of space. The wearable device, in turn, detectssuch volumes and provides the user with information about its locationand facing direction. Accordingly, one or more embodiments includeenabling the implementation of complex wireless sensor networksutilizing strategic placing and shaping of multiple light volumeemitting sensors. Additionally, in such an embodiment, the issue ofmaintaining a large number of battery-powered sensors is resolved via anefficient battery-saving mechanism further described herein.

Infrared (IR) is invisible, harmless to humans and can relay informationwirelessly and directionally. Infrared signals are made from light at aninvisible corner of the spectrum, meaning that such signals can befocused, collimated, occluded, diffused and/or reflected, allowing for awide range of options when the necessity of high space granularity isneeded. Accordingly, at least one embodiment includes utilizing an 8-bitsignal over a 38 kHz carrier wave.

By reducing the complexity of the signal and moving the messages towearable hardware, low-complexity signal emitting sensors can beutilized, which reduces both cost and power consumption for the system(potentially allowing the implementation of a larger network of emittingsensors to be placed with a given indoor environment). Additionally, oneor more embodiments include facilitating multiple types of interactionvia a wearable hardware and a set of emitting sensors, such as, forexample, multi-language interactions and notifications.

FIG. 2 shows an example user identification device utilized in one ormore embodiments. By way of illustration, FIG. 2 depicts useridentification device 202 (also referred to herein as a wearable badge),which includes a dark chamber 224, a headphone (e.g., P2) jack 228, anIR flash light-emitting diode (LED) 230, an IR receiver module 232, andan audio (e.g., MP3) player module 236.

FIG. 3 shows an example emitting sensor utilized in one or moreembodiments. By way of illustration, FIG. 3 depicts an emitting sensor303, which includes an emitter photodiode 340, a moving head 342, areceiver photodiode 344, and a circuit and battery case 346.

The levels of performance required by the key power-consuming componentsof the emitting sensor, namely, an IR emitting LED and a microcontrollerunit, are facilitated by the fact that the sensors are turned off whennot being used. Accordingly, one or more embodiments include maintainingemitting sensor devices on a virtually powerless mode waiting for apassing wearable device to transmit an activating signal (also referredto herein as a “wake-up” signal). In such an embodiment, the emittingsensors only turn on when there's a user identification device facingthe sensor and emitting a wake-up signal, a functionality achieved usinga microcontroller's sleep mode. Such an embodiment enables emittingsensors to run on the order of a couple hundred microamperes/hour whenno wearable user identification device is within an activation proximityto receive the emitting sensor's message.

Additionally, to achieve such long-lasting autonomy, at least oneembodiment includes implementing and/or utilizing a bi-stable circuitcomprising an amplified photodiode tied to a gate turn-off (GTO)thyristor made of at least one radio signal transistor. Such a thyristorincludes an ability to switch high direct current (DC) currents whilealso including bi-stable circuits. Once triggered by a signal in itsbase, the emitting sensor will keep conducting until another signalshuts the sensor off. As noted, such an embodiment includes implementinglow power transistors arranged as a thyristor, and also implementing aphotodiode to create the above-detailed trigger signal when illuminatedand/or activated by an infrared source (for example, from a wearabledevice).

While a microcontroller in sleep mode commonly uses dozens ofmicroamperes to maintain low-level functions to detect a wake-up signal,the proposed device in accordance with one or more embodiments consumesa few dozen nanoamperes when in non-conducting mode, effectivelymimicking the sleep system of a microcontroller but at orders ofmagnitude less power consumption. When not transmitting, such anemitting sensor device's consumption is on par with many alkaline andzinc-carbon batteries' self-discharging rates, which can translate intoyears of autonomy before expiration.

Given such a device's term of autonomy, at least one embodiment includesenabling the creation of complex and/or significant wireless sensornetworks. By way merely of illustration, such devices can be used tomark doorways in a building for use by in connection with aiding thevisually impaired, access control or statistics, etc. Additionally, asfurther detailed herein, such devices can be calibrated by focusing orwidening the emitting sensor's beam, thereby changing how a message isdetected.

FIG. 4 shows an example interaction between an emitting sensor, aserver, and a user identification device in an illustrative embodiment.By way of illustration, FIG. 4 depicts user identification device (alsoreferred to as a badge) 402 being worn by user 450. Also, FIG. 4 depictsemitting sensor (also referred to as an emitter) 403 and server 405. Asadditionally illustrated, the first step (1) includes the badge 402outputting at least one IR flash, and in the second step (2), theemitter 403 is activated and/or turned-on/woken-up (in response tosensing the badge's IR flash). The third step (3) includes the emitter403 sending a signal to the server 405, and the fourth step (4) includesthe server 405 (in response to receiving the emitter's signal) sending asignal to the badge 402. Additionally, in the fifth step (5), the badge402 generating (in response to receiving the server's signal) andrelaying an audio message (e.g., “You are entering the lobby.”) to theuser 450.

FIG. 5 shows an example interaction between an emitting sensor and auser identification device in an illustrative embodiment. By way ofillustration, FIG. 5 depicts user identification device (badge) 502being worn by user 550, as well as emitting sensor (also referred to asan emitter) 503. As additionally illustrated, the first step (1)includes the badge 502 outputting at least one IR flash, and in thesecond step (2), the emitter 503 is activated and/or turned-on/woken-up(in response to sensing the badge's IR flash). The third step (3)includes the emitter 503 sending a signal to the badge 502, and thefourth step (4) includes the badge 502 generating (in response toreceiving the emitter's signal) and relaying an audio message (e.g.,“You are entering the lobby.”) to the user 550.

At least one embodiment includes achieving directional detection schemeby shaping the IR emitting sensors signal into volume cones using tubesto reduce or increase the size of the beam. In an example embodiment,the tubes take the form of hollow screws with the IR LED at a fixeddistance inside of the tube in relation to the emitting sensor, androtating the tubes left or right exposes or occludes the LED, creating afocusing effect.

Additionally, at least one embodiment includes incorporating aradio-communication (e.g., Wi-Fi) module to the wearable (badge) todetect the triggered emitting sensors in real-time. Such an embodimentenables establishing knowledge of the latest position and directionalfacing of an individual wearing the device (badge). The rate of updates,precision of position and direction at each moment can primarily dependon the number of emitting sensors placed within the given environment.

Additionally, in one or more embodiments, each emitting sensor relaysits identifier (ID) as well as an additional value (for example, a 4-bitnumber) representing the level of remaining battery life of the emittingsensor. Also, using the above-mentioned wireless module, the relayedinformation provided by one or more emitting sensors can be centralized.

FIG. 6 shows message exchanges and related sleep state transitions inemitting sensors in an illustrative embodiment. By way of illustration,FIG. 6 depicts user identification device 602 and emitting sensor 603.Specifically, emitting sensor 603 is initially in sleep mode, and awakesfrom sleep mode in response to sensing an IR LED pulse output by theuser identification device 602. Subsequently, the emitting sensor 603outputs IR data bytes to the user identification device 602. Upon notreceiving an IR LED pulse from the user identification device 602 withina predetermined time period, the emitting sensor 603 re-enters sleepmode.

To address battery life limitations of emitting sensors facingconventional approaches, one or more embodiments includes leveraging thesleep mechanism and/or functionality present in microcontrollers. Suchan embodiment includes enabling devices (such as emitting sensors) toenter a deep-sleep state, wherein such a device consumes mere nanowattsof power. For example, an emitting sensor under this state and connectedto a battery can be active and/or online for as long as several years.Additionally, in accordance with such an embodiment, the activating orwaking of a given device is carried out only upon receiving and/orprocessing a signal from a wearable device (badge) within apredetermined proximity.

In at least one embodiment, a wake-up system is implemented without theuse of a microcontroller. Rather, such an embodiment includes utilizingan analog circuit (for example, a thyristor and IR photodiode) to detectan analog pulse that in turns powers on the microcontroller of thedevice (e.g., emitting sensor). The microcontroller, in such anembodiment, generates and outputs messages that include a unique ID andbattery level information, and turns itself off when a wake-up signalhas not been detected within a predetermined time span.

Additionally, one or more embodiments includes the use of a wearablehardware device (such as a user identification device or badge) whichcontains a phototransistor and a high-power IR LED, as well as hardwareemitting sensors which contain a transmitting LED and a receivingphotodiode. In such an embodiment, the high-power LED in the wearablehardware device outputs flashes periodically (e.g., every few seconds),which are detected by photodiodes in nearby emitting sensors.Accordingly, the photodiode “wakes up” the microcontroller in such anemitting sensor, which in turn starts transmitting a directional signal.After a predetermined interval (e.g., a few seconds) the emitting sensorreturns to a deep-sleep mode.

FIG. 6, by way of example, shows how messages are exchanged between auser identification device and an emitting sensor, and how the sleepstate of the emitting sensor is activated and/or deactivated as a userwith the wearable user identification device approaches and moves awayfrom an emitting sensor. The wearable user identification device wakesup the emitting sensor from a sleep mode, the emitting sensor sends itsmessages to be decoded by the user identification device, and as theuser identification device moves away from the emitting sensor, thepulse (output by the user identification device) is no longer detectedby the emitting sensor, which then returns to sleep mode.

FIG. 7 shows an emitting sensor occluder and a user identificationdevice dark chamber in an illustrative embodiment. By way ofillustration, FIG. 7 depicts two views of an emitting sensor 703 and twoviews of a user identification device 702. The first view of theemitting sensor 703 shows an interior view of a tube (also referred toherein as an occluder) 742 surrounding a light source 740. The secondview of the emitting sensor 703 shows a full exterior view of theoccluder 742. Additionally, the first view of the user identificationdevice 702 shows an exterior view of a receiver 724, and the second viewof the user identification device 702 shows an interior view of thereceiver 724 which includes a dark chamber 772.

Accordingly, one or more embodiments include reducing the intensity andthe angle of spread of an emitted signal's light. Such an embodimentincludes implementing a dark chamber in the user identification deviceand a tube around the light source of emitting sensor to achieve thesegoals.

FIG. 8 shows an occluder as a focusing mechanism in an illustrativeembodiment. By way of illustration, FIG. 8 depicts effects of the lightspread angle output by an emitting sensor 803 in connection with thepositioning of an occluder. Accordingly, such an embodiment includesfacilitating focusing of the emitting sensor signal via sliding theoccluder tube relative to the LED, which causes the light spread angleto be proportional to the proximity of the emitting sensor LED to theedge of the tube. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, a trimpotmay be tuned in the emitting sensors for lower intensity signals.Further, a dark chamber on the user identification device creates anangle of reception as well as reduces the received signal's intensity.The dark chamber can be created, for example, via a slit and/or a holeto improve the detection of signals directly above or below the weareras well as within a detection range of approximately 30° horizontallyand over 120° vertically.

FIG. 9 shows an infrared switch and a radio switch in an illustrativeembodiment. By way of illustration, FIG. 9 depicts an infrared switch960 and a radio switch 962 as embodied within an example emitting sensorin accordance with at least one embodiment. Such switches can becontained, for example, with a GTO thyristor which includes an abilityto switch high DC currents while also including bi-stable circuits. Asfurther detailed herein, once triggered by a received and/or sensedsignal, the emitting sensor (via utilization of the GTO thyristor and atleast one of the switches depicted in FIG. 9) will continue conductinguntil another signal shuts the sensor off that is, until power is cutfrom the thyristor's input). Additionally, by using, for example,high-gain transistors to construct a thyristor, such a trigger signalcan be on the order of microwatts, thereby allowing the thyristor to betriggered, for example, by a tuned LC tank circuit for radiocommunications and/or a photodiode and resister voltage divider.

As such, at least one embodiment includes implementing a system composedof a pair of radio transistors in a thyristor arrangement. An exampleobjective of switches 960 and 962 depicted in FIG. 9 include powering-ona device (such as an emitting sensor) when an analog signal is received(e.g., a radio signal in connection with switch 962 or an infraredsignal in connection with switch 960), interpret the signal digitallyvia a micro-controller, and determine if the main power supply of thedevice should be turned on or if the device should continue in itsstandby mode. In one or more embodiments, the amount of power requiredto make such determinations is on the order of microwatts, and the timethat the switch(es) remain(s) online has a trivial impact on the overallperformance and power consumption of the device.

One or more embodiments can also include implementing logic tofacilitate the power supply of such a device to turn on in order tocharge the battery of the device if it is determined that the device hasbeen in standby mode for more than a predetermined amount of time. Sucha self-charge mechanism can include, for example, at least oneadditional transistor and a 3.1 volt Zener diode.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a process for providing positionalinformation via use of distributed infrared sensor arrays in anillustrative embodiment. It is to be understood that this particularprocess is only an example, and additional or alternative processes canbe carried out in other embodiments.

In this embodiment, the process includes steps 1000 through 1006. Step1000 includes generating and outputting one or more signals via at leastone user identification device associated with at least one user. Theone or more signals output via the at least one user identificationdevice can include an infrared light-emitting diode flash. Also, in oneor more embodiments, the one or more signals output via the at least oneuser identification device include an analog signal. For example, suchan analog signal is utilized to wake-up an analog circuit of an emittingsensor that turns on one or more processors in the emitting sensor.Also, the at least one user identification device associated with atleast one user can include at least one wearable device worn by the atleast one user.

Step 1002 includes processing one or more signals output by at least oneof multiple emitting sensors distributed in an array within a givenindoor environment, wherein the one or more signals output by the atleast one emitting sensor are output in response to the one or moresignals output via the at least one user identification device, andwherein a least a portion of the multiple emitting sensors comprisesinfrared sensors. The one or more signals output by the at least oneemitting sensor can include at least one identifier attributed to the atleast one emitting sensor and/or information pertaining to battery levelof each of the at least one emitting sensor. Additionally, in one ormore embodiments, the one or more signals output by the at least oneemitting sensor include one or more signals shaped in a targeted mannervia implementation of one or more occluders in connection with the atleast one emitting sensor.

Also, in at least one embodiment, the one or more signals output by theat least one emitting sensor include one or more multi-bit infrared dataoutputs. In such an embodiment, the one or more multi-bit infrared dataoutputs can include an output comprising at least sixteen bits, whereinat least four of the at least sixteen bits indicate a battery levelattributed to the at least one emitting sensor, and wherein at leasttwelve of the at least sixteen bits indicate at least one uniqueidentifier attributed to the at least one emitting sensor.

Further, in one or more embodiments, the at least one useridentification device includes a dark chamber configured to create anangle of signal reception and to reduce intensity of a received signal,and wherein processing the one or more signals output by at least one ofmultiple emitting sensors includes implementing the dark chamber inconnection with the processing.

Step 1004 includes generating a message based at least in part on theprocessing of the one or more signals output by the at least oneemitting sensor, wherein the message pertains to positional informationwith respect to the given indoor environment. The position informationincludes a position of the at least one user within the given indoorenvironment and/or a direction which the at least one user is facingwithin the given indoor environment. Additionally, in at least oneembodiment, the message includes an audio message. In such anembodiment, generating the audio message includes generating the audiomessages in one or more languages.

Step 1006 includes outputting the generated message.

Accordingly, the particular processing operations and otherfunctionality described in conjunction with the flow diagram of FIG. 10are presented by way of illustrative example only, and should not beconstrued as limiting the scope of the disclosure in any way. Forexample, the ordering of the process steps may be varied in otherembodiments, or certain steps may be performed concurrently with oneanother rather than serially.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a process for automatically and efficientlylimiting power consumption by emitting sensors in an illustrativeembodiment. It is to be understood that this particular process is onlyan example, and additional or alternative processes can be carried outin other embodiments.

In this embodiment, the process includes steps 1100 through 1106. Thesesteps are assumed to be performed at least one of the emitting sensors103 in the FIG. 1 embodiment.

Step 1100 includes detecting, via at least one photodiode of an emittingsensor, one or more signals output by a user device within apredetermined proximity. In at least one embodiment, the one or moresignals detected via the at least one photodiode comprises an infraredpulse.

Step 1102 includes automatically transitioning, via utilizing at leastone transistor connected to the at least one photodiode, and in responseto detecting the one or more signals, the emitting sensor from a firstpower-consumption state to a second power-consumption state, wherein thefirst power-consumption state represents less power consumption thandoes the second power-consumption state. In at least one embodiment, theat least one transistor includes a gate turn-off thyristor, and whereinautomatically transitioning the emitting sensor from the firstpower-consumption state to the second power-consumption state includesactivating the gate turn-off thyristor. Also, in such an embodiment,automatically transitioning the emitting sensor from the secondpower-consumption state to the first power-consumption state includesdeactivating the gate turn-off thyristor. Further, the gate turn-offthyristor can include at least one radio signal transistor. In one ormore embodiments, the at least one radio signal transistor includes tworadio signal transistors comprising a first transistor with high gainand a second transistor with low reverse current.

Step 1104 includes transmitting one or more signals in response totransitioning the emitting sensor from the first power-consumption stateto the second power-consumption state. Step 1106 includes, subsequent totransmitting the one or more signals, automatically transitioning, viautilizing the at least one transistor, the emitting sensor from thesecond power-consumption state to the first power-consumption stateafter a predetermined amount of time has elapsed during which no signalswere detected via the at least one photodiode. In one or moreembodiments, the predetermined amount of time during which no signalswere detected via the at least one photodiode comprises one or moremilliseconds.

In at least one embodiment, the first power-consumption state comprisesconsumption of one or more nanowatts of power from at least one batteryof the emitting sensor. In such an embodiment, the at least one batterycan include at least one battery with a self-discharge rate below apredetermined threshold, wherein such a battery can include azinc-carbon battery, an alkaline battery, and/or a lithium-ion battery.Further, in one or more embodiments, the first power-consumption statecomprises a rate of one or more microampere hours in connection with atleast one battery of the emitting sensor.

Accordingly, the particular processing operations and otherfunctionality described in conjunction with the flow diagram of FIG. 11are presented by way of illustrative example only, and should not beconstrued as limiting the scope of the disclosure in any way. Forexample, the ordering of the process steps may be varied in otherembodiments, or certain steps may be performed concurrently with oneanother rather than serially.

The above-described illustrative embodiments provide significantadvantages relative to conventional approaches. For example, someembodiments are configured to provide guided positional assistance viaemitting sensors implemented with a power-saving mechanism. These andother embodiments can effectively enable the creation of complexwireless sensor networks.

It is to be appreciated that the particular advantages described aboveand elsewhere herein are associated with particular illustrativeembodiments and need not be present in other embodiments. Also, theparticular types of information processing system features andfunctionality as illustrated in the drawings and described above areexemplary only, and numerous other arrangements may be used in otherembodiments.

As mentioned previously, at least portions of the information processingsystem 100 can be implemented using one or more processing platforms. Agiven such processing platform comprises at least one processing devicecomprising a processor coupled to a memory. The processor and memory insome embodiments comprise respective processor and memory elements of avirtual machine or container provided using one or more underlyingphysical machines. The term “processing device” as used herein isintended to be broadly construed so as to encompass a wide variety ofdifferent arrangements of physical processors, memories and other devicecomponents as well as virtual instances of such components. For example,a “processing device” in some embodiments can comprise or be executedacross one or more virtual processors. Processing devices can thereforebe physical or virtual and can be executed across one or more physicalor virtual processors. It should also be noted that a given virtualdevice can be mapped to a portion of a physical one.

Some illustrative embodiments of a processing platform used to implementat least a portion of an information processing system comprises cloudinfrastructure including virtual machines implemented using a hypervisorthat runs on physical infrastructure. The cloud infrastructure furthercomprises sets of applications running on respective ones of the virtualmachines under the control of the hypervisor. It is also possible to usemultiple hypervisors each providing a set of virtual machines using atleast one underlying physical machine. Different sets of virtualmachines provided by one or more hypervisors may be utilized inconfiguring multiple instances of various components of the system.

These and other types of cloud infrastructure can be used to providewhat is also referred to herein as a multi-tenant environment. One ormore system components, or portions thereof, are illustrativelyimplemented for use by tenants of such a multi-tenant environment.

As mentioned previously, cloud infrastructure as disclosed herein caninclude cloud-based systems. Virtual machines provided in such systemscan be used to implement at least portions of a computer system inillustrative embodiments.

In some embodiments, the cloud infrastructure additionally oralternatively comprises a plurality of containers implemented usingcontainer host devices. For example, as detailed herein, a givencontainer of cloud infrastructure illustratively comprises a Dockercontainer or other type of Linux Container (LXC). The containers are runon virtual machines in a multi-tenant environment, although otherarrangements are possible. The containers are utilized to implement avariety of different types of functionality within the system 100. Forexample, containers can be used to implement respective processingdevices providing compute and/or storage services of a cloud-basedsystem. Again, containers may be used in combination with othervirtualization infrastructure such as virtual machines implemented usinga hypervisor.

Illustrative embodiments of processing platforms will now be describedin greater detail with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. Although describedin the context of system 100, these platforms may also be used toimplement at least portions of other information processing systems inother embodiments.

FIG. 12 shows an example processing platform comprising cloudinfrastructure 1200. The cloud infrastructure 1200 comprises acombination of physical and virtual processing resources that areutilized to implement at least a portion of the information processingsystem 100. The cloud infrastructure 1200 comprises multiple virtualmachines (VMs) and/or container sets 1202-1, 1202-2, . . . 1202-Limplemented using virtualization infrastructure 1204. The virtualizationinfrastructure 1204 runs on physical infrastructure 1205, andillustratively comprises one or more hypervisors and/or operating systemlevel virtualization infrastructure. The operating system levelvirtualization infrastructure illustratively comprises kernel controlgroups of a Linux operating system or other type of operating system.

The cloud infrastructure 1200 further comprises sets of applications1210-1, 1210-2, . . . 1210-L running on respective ones of theVMs/container sets 1202-1, 1202-2, . . . 1202-L under the control of thevirtualization infrastructure 1204. The VMs/container sets 1202 compriserespective VMs, respective sets of one or more containers, or respectivesets of one or more containers running in VMs. In some implementationsof the FIG. 12 embodiment, the VMs/container sets 1202 compriserespective VMs implemented using virtualization infrastructure 1204 thatcomprises at least one hypervisor.

A hypervisor platform may be used to implement a hypervisor within thevirtualization infrastructure 1204, wherein the hypervisor platform hasan associated virtual infrastructure management system. The underlyingphysical machines comprise one or more distributed processing platformsthat include one or more storage systems.

In other implementations of the FIG. 12 embodiment, the VMs/containersets 1202 comprise respective containers implemented usingvirtualization infrastructure 1204 that provides operating system levelvirtualization functionality, such as support for Docker containersrunning on bare metal hosts, or Docker containers running on VMs. Thecontainers are illustratively implemented using respective kernelcontrol groups of the operating system.

As is apparent from the above, one or more of the processing modules orother components of system 100 may each run on a computer, server,storage device or other processing platform element. A given suchelement is viewed as an example of what is more generally referred toherein as a “processing device.” The cloud infrastructure 1200 shown inFIG. 12 may represent at least a portion of one processing platform.Another example of such a processing platform is processing platform1300 shown in FIG. 13.

The processing platform 1300 in this embodiment comprises a portion ofsystem 100 and includes a plurality of processing devices, denoted1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3, . . . 1302-K, which communicate with one anotherover a network 1304.

The network 1304 comprises any type of network, including by way ofexample a global computer network such as the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, asatellite network, a telephone or cable network, a cellular network, awireless network such as a Wi-Fi or WiMAX network, or various portionsor combinations of these and other types of networks.

The processing device 1302-1 in the processing platform 1300 comprises aprocessor 1310 coupled to a memory 1312.

The processor 1310 comprises a microprocessor, a microcontroller, anapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmablegate array (FPGA) or other type of processing circuitry, as well asportions or combinations of such circuitry elements.

The memory 1312 comprises random access memory (RAM), read-only memory(ROM) or other types of memory, in any combination. The memory 1312 andother memories disclosed herein should be viewed as illustrativeexamples of what are more generally referred to as “processor-readablestorage media” storing executable program code of one or more softwareprograms.

Articles of manufacture comprising such processor-readable storage mediaare considered illustrative embodiments. A given such article ofmanufacture comprises, for example, a storage array, a storage disk oran integrated circuit containing RAM, ROM or other electronic memory, orany of a wide variety of other types of computer program products. Theterm “article of manufacture” as used herein should be understood toexclude transitory, propagating signals. Numerous other types ofcomputer program products comprising processor-readable storage mediacan be used.

Also included in the processing device 1302-1 is network interfacecircuitry 1314, which is used to interface the processing device withthe network 1304 and other system components, and may compriseconventional transceivers.

The other processing devices 1302 of the processing platform 1300 areassumed to be configured in a manner similar to that shown forprocessing device 1302-1 in the figure.

Again, the particular processing platform 1300 shown in the figure ispresented by way of example only, and system 100 may include additionalor alternative processing platforms, as well as numerous distinctprocessing platforms in any combination, with each such platformcomprising one or more computers, servers, storage devices or otherprocessing devices.

For example, other processing platforms used to implement illustrativeembodiments can comprise different types of virtualizationinfrastructure, in place of or in addition to virtualizationinfrastructure comprising virtual machines. Such virtualizationinfrastructure illustratively includes container-based virtualizationinfrastructure configured to provide Docker containers or other types ofLXCs.

As another example, portions of a given processing platform in someembodiments can comprise converged infrastructure.

It should therefore be understood that in other embodiments differentarrangements of additional or alternative elements may be used. At leasta subset of these elements may be collectively implemented on a commonprocessing platform, or each such element may be implemented on aseparate processing platform.

Also, numerous other arrangements of computers, servers, storageproducts or devices, or other components are possible in the informationprocessing system 100. Such components can communicate with otherelements of the information processing system 100 over any type ofnetwork or other communication media.

For example, particular types of storage products that can be used inimplementing a given storage system of a distributed processing systemin an illustrative embodiment include all-flash and hybrid flash storagearrays, scale-out all-flash storage arrays, scale-out NAS clusters, orother types of storage arrays. Combinations of multiple ones of theseand other storage products can also be used in implementing a givenstorage system in an illustrative embodiment.

It should again be emphasized that the above-described embodiments arepresented for purposes of illustration only. Many variations and otheralternative embodiments may be used. Also, the particular configurationsof system and device elements and associated processing operationsillustratively shown in the drawings can be varied in other embodiments.Thus, for example, the particular types of information processingsystems, sensors and devices in a given embodiment and their respectiveconfigurations may be varied. Moreover, the various assumptions madeabove in the course of describing the illustrative embodiments shouldalso be viewed as exemplary rather than as requirements or limitationsof the disclosure. Numerous other alternative embodiments within thescope of the appended claims will be readily apparent to those skilledin the art.

1. A computer-implemented method comprising: generating and outputtingone or more signals via at least one user identification deviceassociated with at least one user; processing one or more signals outputby at least one of multiple emitting sensors distributed in an arraywithin a given indoor environment, wherein the one or more signalsoutput by the at least one emitting sensor comprise one or more signals,output in response to the one or more signals output via the at leastone user identification device, shaped in a targeted manner viaimplementation of one or more occluders in connection with the at leastone emitting sensor, and wherein at least a portion of the multipleemitting sensors comprises infrared sensors; generating a message basedat least in part on the processing of the one or more signals output bythe at least one emitting sensor, wherein the message pertains topositional information with respect to the given indoor environment; andoutputting the generated message; wherein the method is performed by theat least one user identification device comprising a processor coupledto a memory.
 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein theone or more signals output by the at least one emitting sensor comprisesat least one identifier attributed to the at least one emitting sensor.3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the one or moresignals output by the at least one emitting sensor comprises informationpertaining to battery level of each of the at least one emitting sensor.4. (canceled)
 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein theone or more signals output via the at least one user identificationdevice comprises an infrared light-emitting diode flash.
 6. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the one or more signalsoutput via the at least one user identification device comprises ananalog signal.
 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, whereinthe one or more signals output by the at least one emitting sensorcomprise one or more multi-bit infrared data outputs.
 8. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 7, wherein the one or moremulti-bit infrared data outputs comprise an output comprising at leastsixteen bits, wherein at least four of the at least sixteen bitsindicate a battery level attributed to the at least one emitting sensor,and wherein at least twelve of the at least sixteen bits indicate atleast one unique identifier attributed to the at least one emittingsensor.
 9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the atleast one user identification device further comprises a dark chamberconfigured to create an angle of signal reception and to reduceintensity of a received signal, and wherein processing the one or moresignals output by at least one of multiple emitting sensors comprisesimplementing the dark chamber in connection with said processing. 10.The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the positioninformation comprises a position of the at least one user within thegiven indoor environment.
 11. The computer-implemented method of claim1, wherein the position information comprises a direction which the atleast one user is facing within the given indoor environment.
 12. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the message comprises anaudio message.
 13. The computer-implemented method of claim 12, whereingenerating the audio message comprises generating the audio messages inone or more languages.
 14. The computer-implemented method of claim 1,wherein the at least one user identification device associated with atleast one user comprises at least one wearable device worn by the atleast one user.
 15. A non-transitory processor-readable storage mediumhaving stored therein program code of one or more software programs,wherein the program code when executed by at least one processing devicecauses the at least one processing device: to generate and output one ormore signals via at least one user identification device associated withat least one user; to process one or more signals output by at least oneof multiple emitting sensors distributed in an array within a givenindoor environment, wherein the one or more signals output by the atleast one emitting sensor comprise one or more signals, output inresponse to the one or more signals output via the at least one useridentification device, shaped in a targeted manner via implementation ofone or more occluders in connection with the at least one emittingsensor, and wherein at least a portion of the multiple emitting sensorscomprises infrared sensors; to generate a message based at least in parton the processing of the one or more signals output by the at least oneemitting sensor, wherein the message pertains to positional informationwith respect to the given indoor environment; and to output thegenerated message.
 16. The non-transitory processor-readable storagemedium of claim 15, wherein the one or more signals output via the atleast one user identification device comprises an analog signal.
 17. Thenon-transitory processor-readable storage medium of claim 15, whereinthe one or more signals output by the at least one emitting sensorcomprise one or more multi-bit infrared data outputs.
 18. An apparatuscomprising: at least one processing device comprising a processorcoupled to a memory; the at least one processing device beingconfigured: to generate and output one or more signals via at least oneuser identification device associated with at least one user; to processone or more signals output by at least one of multiple emitting sensorsdistributed in an array within a given indoor environment, wherein theone or more signals output by the at least one emitting sensor compriseone or more signals, output in response to the one or more signalsoutput via the at least one user identification device, shaped in atargeted manner via implementation of one or more occluders inconnection with the at least one emitting sensor, and wherein at least aportion of the multiple emitting sensors comprises infrared sensors; togenerate a message based at least in part on the processing of the oneor more signals output by the at least one emitting sensor, wherein themessage pertains to positional information with respect to the givenindoor environment; and to output the generated message.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 18, wherein the one or more signals output via the atleast one user identification device comprises an analog signal.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 18, wherein the one or more signals output by the atleast one emitting sensor comprise one or more multi-bit infrared dataoutputs.
 21. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the one or more signalsoutput by the at least one emitting sensor comprises at least oneidentifier attributed to the at least one emitting sensor.